Emergency Drinking Water Storage Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to collection and storage drinking water, e.g. as a step in disaster preparedness. The invention relates to emergency preparedness kits comprising a food-grade bladder composed of thin plastic film for covering the inside surface of a bathtub to provide a barrier between the surface of the bathtub and drinking water contained therein, and for enclosing the contained water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/907,721 titled Drinking Water Storage Device and Method, filed May31, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/402,583, titled Enclosed Bathtub Liner, filed Apr. 11, 2006, andissued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,980 on Jan. 14, 2014.

FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for collection,storage, and dispensing of potable water. In particular, the presentinvention relates to bladder liners for sanitary storage of water in abathtub, e.g. as a step in disaster preparedness. The present inventionrelates to kits for emergency preparedness comprising a food gradebladder liner for collection and storage of water in a bathtub.

BACKGROUND

In preparing for emergency situations, e.g., caused by either man-madeor natural disasters, provisions for an adequate supply of potable waterare near the top the list of steps to be taken. A supply of drinkingwater is considered more important for survival than immediate access tofood. The Department of Homeland Security offers guidelines foremergency preparedness, and these guidelines recommend a minimumemergency supply of water comprising one gallon per person, per day,with additional amounts needed for cooking and washing.

The storage of large volumes of water indefinitely can pose problems formany. Storage of tens of gallons of water requires a substantial amountof space. Storage in small containers (e.g., one or two galloncontainers, as are commonly available, e.g., in groceries) can require alarge number of containers to supply, e.g., an entire family throughseveral days or weeks following a disaster. Larger volume storage, e.g.,in typical fifty-five gallon drums, is similarly inconvenient for manyhouseholders. A filled fifty-five gallon drum weighs over about 440pounds and is not easily moveable once filled. Thus, a drum requiresdedicated floor space that is structurally capable of holding suchweight, and that is close to a water source, e.g., a faucet, forfilling. These space considerations alone can make it difficult orimpossible for many people to store the recommended amounts of water.Many people lack the space in their homes to keep a large number ofthese small containers or to keep a 55-gallon drum on hand. In additionto the space concerns, the long-term storage of drinking water can alsopose safety concerns if the water is not properly purified upon storage,if the container used is contaminated by a prior use, or if the water isleft to stand for years on end.

For these and other reasons, many people do not elect to store theamounts of water recommended for disaster preparedness. Rather, whendisaster occurs or is imminent, water, generally from a household tap,is often stored in whatever containers are on hand.

Most readily available vessels (e.g., drinking bottles, food storagejars) can contain only a fraction of the amount of water recommended.Thus, there is a need for improved devices for storing potable water.

The largest, strongest vessel readily available to many people is abathtub. A typical residential bathtub will hold between about 50 and 90gallons of water, and some will hold substantially more. Storingdrinking water directly in a bathtub is not recommended, however, asresidue in a bathtub, both from normal use and from cleaning, is likelyto cause both microbial and chemical contamination of water storeddirectly in the tub, making it unsuitable for consumption or foodpreparation. Use of a bathtub for containing potable water requires abarrier to prevent contact between the water and the bathtub surface.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a bladder liner configured be containedin and supported by a bathtub, e.g., to be readily filled by a bathtubfaucet. In preferred embodiments, the bladder liner comprises food-gradeconstruction materials. In particularly preferred embodiments, thebladder liner is disposable.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprisinga food-grade bladder liner comprising at least one aperture, and afilling hose comprising a universal adaptor. In some embodiments, thebody of the food-grade bladder liner comprises a plastic film of about 1to 20 mils in thickness. In some preferred embodiments, the plastic filmis about 2 to 10 mils in thickness. In particularly preferredembodiments, the plastic film is about 4 to 8 mils in thickness.

In some embodiments, the system of the present invention comprises adispenser. In some preferred embodiments, the dispenser comprises apump. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the dispensercomprises a siphon pump assembly. In some embodiments, the dispensercomprises a collar, e.g., for attachment of the dispenser to an apertureof a bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the system of the present invention comprises acap, e.g., for reversibly sealing an aperture of a bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a kit, e.g., foremergency or disaster preparedness. In preferred embodiments, the kit isa packaged kit. In some embodiments, the kit of the present inventioncomprises a bladder liner and a filling hose comprising a universaladaptor. In preferred embodiments, the bladder liner is food-grade. Insome embodiments, the body of the bladder liner comprises a plastic filmof about 1 to 20 mils in thickness. In some preferred embodiments, theplastic film is about 2 to 10 mils in thickness. In particularlypreferred embodiments, the plastic film is about 4 to 8 mils inthickness.

In some embodiments, the kit of the present invention comprises adispenser. In some preferred embodiments, the dispenser comprises apump. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the dispensercomprises a siphon pump assembly. In some embodiments, the dispensercomprises a collar, e.g., for attachment of the dispenser to an apertureof a bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the kit of the present invention comprises a cap,e.g., for reversibly sealing an aperture of a bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofcollecting potable water, comprising lining a bathtub with a bladderliner and filling the bladder liner with water. In some embodiments ofthe method of the present invention, the bladder liner has a storagevolume of at least 50 gallons. In some embodiments of the method of thepresent invention the bladder liner has a storage volume of at least 75gallons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a bladder linerof the present invention, showing bladder liner 1 comprising an aperture2 for use in filling and dispensing.

FIG. 2A provides one embodiment of a plan for forming a gusseted bladderliner from flat or tubular plastic film.

FIG. 2B provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a bladderliner of the present invention, showing bladder liner 1 comprising anaperture 2 for use in filling and dispensing.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide schematic diagrams of embodiments of bladderliners of the present invention, each showing bladder liner 1 comprisingan aperture 2 for filling and an outlet aperture 3 for dispensing.

FIG. 4A-4C provides schematic diagrams of various embodiments of afilling hose 4 comprising a universal adaptor 5 for attachment tobathtub faucet spout.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a siphon pumpassembly 6, comprising an intake hose 7 and an outlet tube 6, for usewith the bladder liner 1.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic diagram of a bathtub containing oneembodiment of bladder liner 1 of the present invention, with a siphonpump assembly 6 configured for dispensing.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram of a bathtub containing oneembodiment of bladder liner 1 of the present invention, with fillinghose 4 comprising a universal adaptor 5 configured for filling thebladder liner 1, and a siphon pump assembly 6 configured for dispensing.

DEFINITIONS

The term “bladder liner” as used herein refers to a liner for a bathtubconfigured to provide a barrier between the bathtub surface and liquidcontained in the bathtub. The bladder liner is further configured toenclose the liquid contained, e.g., to prevent contamination fromfalling debris or other matter, and to provide access to the liquidcontained in the bladder through one or more apertures.

As used herein, the term “body” as applied to a bladder liner of thepresent invention refers to a component of the bladder that encloses theliquid contained in the bathtub, but does not include fittings at theaperture(s) (e.g., threaded fittings), or any attached devices forfilling or dispensing.

The term “universal adaptor” as used herein in reference to a fillinghose, refers to an adaptor for directing water from bathtub faucet spoutinto a filling hose (e.g., filling hose 4), wherein the adaptor isconfigured to be compatible with many different spout types. In someembodiments, the universal adaptor is configured to attach to a faucetspout. In some embodiments, a universal adaptor comprises a sleeve thatcan be cinched, e.g., by hand or with a hose clamp, to provideconnection to a variety of types of faucet spouts. In preferredembodiments, the universal adaptor of the present invention comprises aflexible sleeve, e.g., of rubber or silicone, that stretches toaccommodate and seal around many different faucet spout types and sizes.In particularly preferred embodiments, the universal adaptor isconfigured to provide a substantially water-tight seal when attached toa faucet spout.

The term “food-grade” as used herein refers to materials that have beenrecognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as suitable for usein applications in which the materials will be in direct contact withfood or liquid intended for human consumption.

The term “dispenser” as used herein refers to an assembly configured todispense liquid contained in a bladder liner.

The term “siphon pump assembly” as used herein refers to a dispensercomprising tubing for siphoning liquid and a pump configured to propelliquid through the tubing to start a siphon flow. In some embodiments, asiphon pump assembly comprises an inlet hose and an outlet tube.

The term “kit” as used herein refers to a collection of articles for usefor a particular purpose. In some embodiments, the articles compriseinstructions for use, e.g., as information supplied on an article, onpaper, or on recordable media (e.g., diskette, CD, etc.).

The term “packaged kit” as used herein refers to a kit that is packed orpackaged, e.g., in a container such as a bag, box, pouch, etc., forconvenient distribution to a recipient, e.g., through retail sales, orthrough emergency preparedness or emergency relief agencies.

The term “system” as used herein refers to a collection of articles foruse together for a particular purpose.

The term “storage capacity” as used herein refers to a volume of liquidthat can be contained in a bladder liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

The present invention provides systems, kits, and methods for convenientand sanitary storage of water, e.g., for emergency use. In particular,the present invention provides a waterproof liner sized to beaccommodated by a bathtub, e.g., a residential bathtub, and configuredto contain water in the bathtub so as to limit or prevent contact of thestored water with the surface of the bathtub. In preferred embodiments,the liner comprises a bladder configuration, such that the water isenclosed in the liner.

Existing bathtub liners have generally been disposed in bathtubs topermit ease of maintenance of the bathtub, or to provide a comfortablebathing setting. For example, a removable bathtub liner is exemplifiedin U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,651 to Weir and U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,950 toSowers, wherein a liner is removably mounted in contact with a topsurface of an associated bathtub. U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,764 to Hall et al.teaches a bathtub and shower liner ensemble formed of thin, disposable,sterile, plastic film sheers, with a bottom mat-like sheet secured tothe bathtub or shower basin to provide cushion and comfort. The entireliner assembly is compressed to form a single, thin, flexible lining,which is removed through the process of peeling, where the thin filmsheers are individually peeled from the top. Each new film sheerprovides a new sterile surface. In some instances, a bathtub liner isused for protection of the bath user from injury or discomfort from thesurface of the tub. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,231 to Smithteaches an inflatable liner for use with conventional bathtubs. Theinflatable liner is for use with infants, elderly, physically disable orother instances where a cushioned and/or sanitary bathing surface isdesired. However, none of these bathtub liners are configured for thesanitary storage of potable water.

Collapsible containers and bladders for storing liquids are known in theart. For example, the “bag in a box” configuration uses a box-shapedsupport, typically of corrugated cardboard, and a collapsible bagdisposed therein for containing liquid. Generally, liquid is dispensedvia a spigot positioned low on the box to draw liquid from the bottom ofthe container. In some configurations, the box is configured to act as apitcher, to allow liquid to be poured from the top. Bag-in-boxcontainers are generally configured for factory-based filling (e.g., forpackaging of beverages such as wine in a 10 box) and are not configuredfor at-home filling, e.g., from a faucet spout. Further, bag-in-boxcontainers for home use are generally configured to hold relativelysmall volumes, e.g., 1 to 5 gallons. A bag-in-box system for largevolume storage, even when empty, require a substantial amount of storagespace and, to a residential user, presents many of the same problemswith storing, filling, moving and using when full.

A similar device is a semi-rigid collapsible container, such as theCubetainet® container. The Cubetainet® container is generally roughlycubic or rectilinear when full but, when empty, is collapsable along adiagonal so that one half of the cube fits within the other half. Thecollapsed containers take up less space, and a plurality of emptycontainers can be stacked together. The plastic is semi-rigid such thatthe container can assume and maintain its cubic shape when empty (i.e.,it does not rely on the pressure of liquid inside to take its shape).Generally, such collapsible containers are limited to about 5 gallonscapacity, so a number of such containers would be required forlarge-volume (e.g., 50 to 100 gallons) water storage.

Bladder, or “pillow” tanks, often made of plastic or rubber, forlarge-volume storage of liquids (e.g., 100 gallons to 50,000 gallons)are known. Pillow tanks generally have a single seam binding two sheetsof plastic or rubber so that, when filled with water, the tank assumesthe shape of a pillow. Pillow tanks are generally used on a flat surfacesuch as the ground, a slab such as a concrete slab, or on a support thatis sturdy enough to support the weight of the liquid contained, such asthe bed of a truck. A pillow tank generally does not use an externalstructural support (e.g., a support box) and the plastic and seams ofeven the smallest pillow tank are thus required to be of sufficientweight and strength to contain hundreds pounds of liquid.

Consequently, pillow tanks in the 100 gallon capacity range generallyweigh 50 to 100 lbs when completely empty, making them prohibitivelybulky and difficult to handle for in-home water storage. In addition,the configuration of these tanks for use on a flat surface makes useindoors, e.g., inside a home, impractical, as they require an availablefloor surface in close proximity to a water source for filling. Stillfurther, the requirements of the construction in order make the tanksfree-standing (e.g., the use of plastic or rubber of sufficientthickness to support the weight of the contained liquid, the number andtype of seam welds, etc.) make current pillow tanks prohibitivelyexpensive to keep on hand for household emergency preparedness.

There remains a need for an inexpensive, food-grade, large-volume,collapsible storage bladder configured to be contained in and supportedby a bathtub, and to be readily filled by a bathtub faucet spout.

While the present invention will be described with reference to severalspecific embodiments, the description and drawings are illustrative ofthe present invention and are not to be construed as limiting theinvention. Various modifications to the present invention can be madewithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The present invention provides a waterproof liner sized to beaccommodated by a bathtub, e.g., a residential bathtub, and configuredto contain water in the bathtub so as to limit or prevent contact of thestored water with the surface of the bathtub. In preferred embodiments,the liner comprises a bladder configuration, such that the water isenclosed in the liner. Examples of bladder liners of the presentinvention are diagrammed, e.g., in FIGS. 1-3B. In preferred embodiments,the body of bladder liner 1 is constructed of thin, flexible materialsuch as plastic film or plastic sheeting. The terms “film” and“sheeting” are used herein interchangeably to refer to thin, flexiblesheets of material. In preferred embodiments, the plastic is food-gradeplastic. Food-grade plastic films, such as polypropylene andpolyethylene films, find use in the invention. In some embodiments theplastic film comprises a high-density polymer, while in someembodiments, the plastic film comprises a low-density polymer. In someembodiments, the bladder liner of the present invention comprises aplurality of different types of plastic film. In some embodiments, theplastic is anti-static.

In some embodiments, the plastic sheeting has sufficient strength thatthe bag can be moved small amounts (e.g. to repositioned in a bathtub,to remove wrinkles or otherwise improve filling) when the bag ispartially filled. It is contemplated that the bladder liner isconstructed of plastic film that is thin enough to be folded, e.g., forstorage or packaging. In some embodiments, the body of the bladder linercomprises plastic film that is from about 1 to 20 mils (i.e., 1 to 20thousandths of an inch) in thickness, although greater and lesserthicknesses may be used. In preferred embodiments, the body of thebladder liner comprises plastic film that is from about 2 to 10 milsthick. In particularly preferred embodiments, the body of the bladderliner comprises plastic film that is about 4 to 8 mils in thickness. Inpreferred embodiments, the bladder liner of the present invention isdisposable. It is contemplated that, when a bladder liner in use is nolonger needed (e.g., when water service is restored after an emergency),the bladder liner may be punctured or cut to release remaining watercontained therein into the bathtub, and the destroyed liner may beremoved and discarded.

In some embodiments, the bladder liner of the present inventioncomprises a seam. In preferred embodiments, the seam is a welded seam.In some embodiments, the bladder liner of the present inventioncomprises a single continuous seam adjoining a top plastic sheet and abottom plastic sheet. In other embodiments, the bladder liner comprisestwo seams that seal the ends of a section of plastic film that is formedas a tube. In some embodiments, the bladder liner comprises a pluralityof seams configured to provide a defined form, e.g., a box-shape, to theliner when it is in use. In preferred embodiments, seams are formed byheat-sealing or thermal welding.

In some embodiments, the bladder comprises a flexible box construction.In preferred embodiments, a box is constructed such that it can becollapsed along various creased lines, e.g., in the fashion of a papergrocery sack. FIG. 1 provides one embodiment of a box-constructedbladder liner. In some embodiments, the bladder liner is gusseted, e.g.,to facilitate expanding and collapsing. FIG. 2A shows one embodiment ofa plan for forming a gusseted bladder liner from flat or tubular plasticfilm. If tubular film is used, the gussets may be formed by folding,with each end anchored and sealed using a single seam. FIG. 2B providesa schematic rendering of an embodiment of a gusseted bladder liner thatis expanded (as it would be, e.g., upon filling). In some embodiments,one or more sides of the bladder liner is configured to reduce or altertransmission of light to water within the bladder liner, e.g., to reducethe growth of microbes such as algae. For example, in some embodiments,one or more sides of the bladder liner are constructed of material thatis opaque and/or dark in color (e.g., black, brown, dark blue, purple,etc.).

In some embodiments, the bladder liner is configured to conform to apre-existing bathtub. It is contemplated that, as configured in kitssuch as for emergency preparedness, the bladder liners can be configuredto fit a range of standard sizes of bathtubs. However, the invention isnot limited to bladder liners configured to match particular sizes ofbathtubs. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the bladder lineris configured to be oversized (e.g., generously sized compared to astandard bathtub) such that a single size of bladder liner can be usedwith bathtubs of a variety of sizes. In preferred embodiments, anoversized bathtub liner is constructed of particularly thin and pliableplastic film, e.g., less than about 4 mils thickness, such that excessplastic material (e.g., at the ends or in the corners of a smallerbathtub) will be maximally compressible and will not significantlyreduce the volume of water that can be contained by and delivered fromthe bladder liner.

The bladder line of the present invention comprises one or moreapertures for filling and for dispensing the liquid (e.g., water)contained therein. In some embodiments, the bladder liner comprises asingle aperture that is used for both filling and dispensing. FIG. 1provides a diagram of one embodiment comprising a single aperture 2. Inembodiments comprising a single aperture, it is contemplated that theaperture is first used for filling the bladder container, e.g., with afilling hose 4, as diagrammed, e.g., in FIGS. 4A-C. After filling, theaperture 2 is use for dispensing the contained liquid, e.g. using asiphon pump assembly 6, as diagrammed in FIG. 6. In some embodiments,the apertures comprise fittings, e.g., threaded fittings, for attachmentof the bladder to a filling hose 4 and/or a siphon pump assembly 6. Insome embodiments, the fitting provides sealed attachment to the fillinghose 4 and/or the siphon pump assembly 6. In particularly preferredembodiments, a single fitting is configured to provide sealed attachmentto the both a filling hose 4 a siphon pump assembly 6.

In some embodiments, the bladder liner comprises multiple apertures. Insome embodiments, the bladder liner comprises a single aperture forfilling and dispensing, and comprises a separate aperture for venting,e.g., for allowing any trapped air to escape as the bladder is filledand/or to allow air to be drawn in so as to facilitate dispensing (e.g.,to avoid the creation of negative pressure in the bladder duringdispensing).

In some embodiments, separate apertures are provided for filling anddispensing. FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-B provide schematic views of severalembodiments of bladder liners comprising multiple apertures (shown asapertures 2 and 3). In some embodiments, the apertures comprisefittings, e.g., threaded fittings, for attachment of the bladder to afilling hose 4 and/or a siphon pump assembly 6. In preferredembodiments, the fittings provide sealed attachment to the filling hose4 and/or the siphon pump assembly 6. In particularly preferredembodiments, a single type of fitting is configured to provide sealedattachment to the both a filling hose 4 and/or to a siphon pump assembly6. In some embodiments, the same type of fitting is used for bothapertures, e.g., as diagrammed in FIG. 3A. In other embodiments, oneaperture comprises a fitting for attachment of a filling hose 4 andanother aperture comprises a fitting for attachment of a dispenser suchas a siphon pump assembly 6.

In preferred embodiments, the aperture for filling is large enough toaccommodate flow of water from a bath faucet without restricting orimpeding the flow, e.g., for rapid filling of the bladder liner. FIG. 4Bprovides a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which an aperture 2 issimilar in diameter to the faucet spout 12. In some embodiments, theaperture is larger in effective diameter than a bathtub faucet spout,while in other embodiments, aperture 2 is smaller in effective diameterthan a bathtub spout. As used herein, the term “effective diameter”refers to the size of the opening in bathtub faucet or the openingprovided by the aperture in the bladder liner, e.g., the geometric areaof aperture, the geometric area of the opening of the faucet spout, or,if the spout is wider at the opening than at other portions, thecross-sectional area of the narrowest passage in the faucet spout.

In some embodiments the bladder liner is part of a system for watercollection. In some embodiments, the water collection system comprises abladder liner and a filling hose. In preferred embodiments, the systemfurther comprises a dispenser such as a siphon pump assembly 6. In someembodiments, the system further comprises one or more caps configured toreversibly seal (e.g., through a threaded fitting) one or more aperturesof a bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the filling hose 4 comprises an adaptor forattachment of the hose to a bathtub faucet spout 12. In preferredembodiments, the filling hose 4 comprises a universal adaptor (e.g., auniversal adaptor 5) for attachment to a bathtub faucet spout 12. Inparticularly preferred embodiments, a universal adaptor is configured tobe able to attach to a variety of faucet spouts. In some embodiments,the universal adaptor comprises a flexible sleeve that snuggly fits overa faucet spout. In preferred embodiments, the universal adaptercomprises an elastic material that can be stretched to accommodatedifferent shapes and sizes of spouts. In particularly preferredembodiments, the universal adaptor comprises a natural or synthetic(e.g., silicone) rubber sleeve configured attach to a variety of faucetspout sizes and shapes. FIG. 4AC show schematic representations of asleeve-type universal adaptor 5 attached to a faucet spout 12.

In some embodiments, the universal adaptor is configured to looselyaccommodate a faucet spout. In some embodiments, the loosely fitteduniversal adaptor is configured to be held in place on the faucet spoutby hand during operation. In other embodiments, a loosely fitteduniversal adaptor of a filling hose is configured to be held in place bya device such as a clamp. In preferred embodiments, the clamp comprisesa hose clamp.

In some embodiments, a filling hose is configured to end at the point atwhich it attaches to the bladder liner at an aperture (e.g., aperture 2;see, e.g., FIG. 4C). In other embodiments, the filling hose isconfigured to pass through an aperture into the interior of the bladderliner (see. e.g., FIG. 4B). Some embodiments the filling hose isconfigured to pass through an aperture into the interior of the bladderliner, and to attach to the bladder liner at the aperture. In someembodiments, the filling hose comprises a fitting for attachment of thefilling hose to an aperture in the bladder liner. In preferredembodiments, a fitting for attachment of the filling hose to an aperturein the bladder liner comprises a swivel fitting that is rotatable withrespect to the filling hose, e.g., such that the fitting can be rotated(for example, to engage a threaded attachment) without significantlyrotating the filling hose. In preferred embodiments, a filling hosepasses through a swivel fitting configured for attachment to an aperturein the bladder liner.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprisinga bladder liner as described above and a dispenser, e.g., for dispensingliquid contained in the bladder liner. In preferred embodiments, thedispenser comprises a pump. The pump is not limited to any particularkind of pump, and suitable pumps for use in the system of the presentinvention include but are not limited to siphon pumps, piston pumps,lever pumps, and plunger pumps. In some preferred embodiments, the pumpis a siphon pump. In particularly preferred embodiments, the pump of thepresent invention is configured for one-hand operation.

FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a siphon pumpassembly 6 suitable for use in the system of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a siphon pump assembly 6 comprisesan intake hose 7 for drawing water from the interior of the bladderliner, and an output tube 8 for dispensing water.

In preferred embodiments, the intake hose and/or the output tubecomprise flexible corrugated plastic tubing. The siphon pump assembly 6further comprises a pump bulb to propel water through the intake andoutput tubes. In preferred embodiments, a pump assembly is configuredfor unidirectional flow, so as to draw water from the interior of thebladder liner into the intake hose, and to propel water out through theoutput tube. In particularly preferred embodiments, the siphon pumpassembly is configured to move a sufficient amount of water to start asiphon action, after which water will move into the intake hose and outthrough the output tube so long as the siphon action is maintained. Inpreferred embodiments, the siphon pump assembly further comprises arelease valve 10 to break the siphon action, e.g., to stop the flow ofwater. In particularly preferred embodiments, the release valve isoperable by the same hand operating the pump bulb, such that theentirety of the pumping control is a one-hand operation.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the dispenser furthercomprises a fitting, such as a collar 11, configured to reversiblyattach and seal the dispenser to an aperture of the bladder liner. Insome embodiments the collar 11 is configured to attach to an aperturethrough which the bladder liner is filled. FIG. 6 provides a schematicdiagram of a siphon pump assembly 6 positioned in the single aperture 2of the bladder liner 1.

In preferred embodiments, the collar 11 (or another fitting configuredfor the same purpose) is configured to attach to a different aperture,such that the filling hose 4 and the siphon pump assembly 5 attach toseparate apertures. FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram of a bladderliner having two apertures 2, such that one can be used with a siphonpump assembly 6, while the other is used by filling hose 4. In someembodiments one or both of the siphon pump assembly 6 and the fillinghose 4 are attached to bladder liner 1 at an aperture 2. In preferredembodiments, these attachments are reversible attachments.

In some embodiments, the system of the present invention comprises afilter, e.g., for water purification. Filters for water purification areknown and are used, e.g., for camping, backpacking, etc. Filters includebut are not limited to porous ceramic filters (e.g., Katadyn® filters byKatadyn Products, Inc, Wallisellen, Switzerland, Waterworks® andSweetWater® systems by Mountain Safety Research, Seattle, Wash.).

In some embodiments, the filter comprises a synthetic membranemicrofilter, such as a Sweet Water® 0.2-micron labyrinth depth filter.In preferred embodiments, the filter comprises an activated charcoalfilter. In some embodiments, the intake hose 7 comprises a filter, whilein some embodiments, the output tube comprises a filter. In someembodiments, the system of the present invention comprises a covering(e.g., a sheet or encasing bag to cover the bladder liner while in use)configured to reduce or alter transmission of light to water within thebladder liner, e.g., to reduce the growth of microbes such as algae. Forexample, in some embodiments, the covering is constructed of materialthat is opaque and/or dark in color (e.g., black, brown, dark blue,purple, etc.).

In some embodiments, a system of the present invention is provided in akit. In some embodiments, a kit of the present invention comprises a capfor closing an aperture in a bladder liner. In some embodiments, a kitcomprises a filter, e.g., for water purification. In some embodiments, akit comprises a water treatment additive, such as a tablet or liquid. Insome preferred embodiments, the water treatment additive is configuredto decontaminate water, for example, the additive contains one or moreantimicrobial or biocide agents, and/or chemical neutralizing agents(e.g., to adsorb, 5 absorb, or otherwise reduce or alter the action of achemical). In some embodiments, a water treatment additive comprises aflavoring agent. In preferred embodiments, the kit is a packaged kit.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described methods, components, and systems of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in related fields are intended to be within the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for storing fresh water inside of abathtub, the device comprising: a flexible bladder liner; the flexiblebladder liner taking on a shape of the bathtub when the flexible bladderis filled with water; the flexible bladder liner surrounding the freshwater on all sides; the flexible bladder liner including a plurality ofseams; the plurality of seams allowing the flexible bladder liner tofold to fit into a box, while also allowing the flexible bladder linerto expand to fit the shape of the bathtub when the bladder liner isfilled with fresh water; a first aperture through the flexible bladderliner; a second aperture through the flexible bladder liner; a pumpaffixed to the first aperture; a cap affixed to the second aperture;whereby the flexible bladder liner is filled with fresh water prior to atime of emergency, thus preserving fresh water for drinking in an eventof a water shortage.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: auniversal adapter formed from a flexible tube; the flexible tube open ata first end, and terminated with a fitting at a second end; the firstend to be held over a faucet of the bathtub; the second end to beaffixed to the second aperture in place of the cap; whereby the firstend of the universal adapter is passed over the faucet, guiding freshwater into the flexible bladder.
 3. The device of claim 2, furthercomprising a hose clamp to hold the flexible tube around the faucet. 4.The device of claim 1, further comprising: a siphon pump formed from: anintake line; a collar; a pump bulb; a release valve; an outlet tube;whereby squeezing the pump bulb pushes water through the outlet tube,and releasing the pump bulb draws fresh water into the outlet tube,thereby filling the flexible bladder liner.
 5. A water storage devicefor use storing water within a bathtub, the device comprising: a bladderliner; the bladder liner fully enclosing the water; the bladder linerformed from a flexible material, the flexible material permitting thebladder liner to be collapsed for shipment and storage, and thenexpanded for use; the bladder liner expanding and changing shape whenfilled with water, the changed shape fitting the shape of the bathtub;the bladder liner collapsing when water is removed, thereby reducing aneed to intake air, and thus reducing a possibility of contamination; afirst penetration through the flexible material of the bladder liner; asecond penetration through the flexible material of the bladder liner; apump affixed to the first penetration; a cap affixed to the secondpenetration; whereby the bladder is filled with water prior to a time ofemergency, thus preserving water for drinking in an event of a watershortage.
 6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a universaladapter formed from a flexible tube; the flexible tube open at a firstend; the flexible tube terminated with a fitting at a second end; thefirst end to be held over a faucet of the bathtub; the fitting of thesecond end to be affixed to the second penetration in place of the cap;whereby the first end of the universal adapter is passed over thefaucet, guiding water into the bladder liner.
 7. The device of claim 6,further comprising a hose clamp to hold the flexible tube around thefaucet.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein the pump is formed from: anintake line; a collar; a pump bulb; a release valve; and an outlet tube;whereby squeezing the pump bulb pushes water through the outlet tube,and releasing the pump bulb draws water into the outlet tube, therebyfilling the bladder liner.
 9. A method of storing water for an emergencycomprising the steps of: removing a bladder liner from a box, thebladder liner having no rigid panels, the bladder liner comprising: aflexible material, the flexible material permitting the bladder liner tobe collapsed for shipment and storage and later expanded for use; thebladder liner changing shape when filled with water, the changed shapefitting a shape of a bathtub; the bladder liner including a plurality ofseams, the plurality of seams allowing the bladder liner to fold to fitinto the box, while also allowing the bladder liner to expand to fit theshape of the bathtub when the bladder liner is filled with water; afirst penetration through the bladder liner; a second penetrationthrough the bladder liner; placing the bladder liner into the bathtub;filling the bladder liner using a universal adapter that channels waterfrom a faucet to the first penetration, the universal adaptercomprising: a flexible tube; the flexible tube open at a first end, andterminated with a fitting at a second end; the first end to be held overthe faucet of the bathtub; the second end to be affixed to the secondpenetration in place of a cap; after filling the bladder, removing theflexible tube and placing the cap over the first penetration to protectthe water from contamination.
 10. The method of storing water for theemergency of claim 9, further comprising the step of: inserting a pumpthrough the second penetration, the pump comprising: an intake line; acollar; a pump bulb; a release valve; and an outlet tube; operating thepump to remove water from the bladder liner.